Joe Bateman signed his maiden professional contract with Derby County in May 2017.

During the 2016/17 season, Bateman captained the Under 18’s team to a sixth place finish in the Under 18’s Premier League North.

After an impressive first half of last season, Bateman became a regular for Darren Wassall’s Under 23’s team, making eight appearances towards the end of the last campaign and guiding them to Premier League 2 safety.

Joe Bateman (right) in action for Derby County U23s

This season, Joe has become a regular with the Under 23’s and scored his first goal for them during their 5-2 defeat away at Swansea City, who during that match fielded several first team players including Wilfried Bony and Luciano Narsingh.

Bateman has played alongside the likes of Craig Forsyth and Jason Shackell for the Under 23’s during the 2017/18 campaign, which has gained him valuable experience.